Oedipus the Kingby Sophocles"The Reality of Tragedy"
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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
"The Reality of Tragedy"
Sophocles' Life and Professional Achievements
HISTORY
"The Reality of Tragedy"
Looking into Greece at the time at Sophocles lived, we see a society that has been ridden with turmoil. This turmoil however seems to have shaped the classical period of Greece allowing some of its greatest works to be developed here. Sophocles lived during the classical period of Greece. Greece was at this time fighting many wars. Athens and Sparta joined hands to fight against the Persians and drive them out of Greece. After this victory against Persia, Sophocles was elected to be the head of the choir celebrating the victory. Even though the two were allies during this time, the alliance quickly crumbled after the war was won.
This brings us to the Peloponnesian wars. These wars were being fought between the Greek cities themselves! Sparta and Athens were fighting a great war against one another in which only one could win. Sophocles was part of a great war council that directed the troops of Athens. Sparta proved to be the victor and placed an oligarchic government over Athens. Still, Greek culture flourished. Sometime during his life Sophocles also became a priest of the god Asclepius,and helped introduce him to Athens. We have also discovered that at the time Sophocles lived there was a great plague that affected Thebes. This may even be the plague he referred to in Oedipus the King. Looking at the events in Sophocles’ life helps us better understand the way he writes and portrays his characters.
KEY PASSAGES"The Reality of Tragedy"
Text: Oedipus, the King speaks
Oedipus: "Oh my children, the new blood of ancient Thebes, why are you here? Huddling at my altar, your branches wound in wool. Our city reeks with the smoke of burning incense, rings with cries for the Healer (Apollo) and wailing for the dead. I thought it wrong my children, to hear the truth from others, messengers. Here I am myself-you all know me, the world knows my fame: I am Oedipus...I would be blind to misery not to pity my people kneeling at my feet. (pgs.573-574).
This opening scene introduces the helpless estate of the people of Thebes and the emotional wreckage that their king has caused. This is a key passage as it indicates the Reality of Tragedy in the heart of their king. A decision can affect multiple people especially when that decision is made by a leader. The text starts with the line "Oh my children," which indicates Oedipus as having a vested interest in the people he served (or ruled), right? Maybe, but this is more likely the first of many indications by Sophocles through Oedipus that Thebes has problems because of the plight of their narcissistic ruler. Multiple times in Oedipus' opening statements the words I, me, and my are present, which indicates his self-reliance and the people's co-dependence. One of the big more influential bits of foreshadowing occur in this scene as Oedipus speaks to his own impending blindness when he says, "I would be blind to my misery" (pg. 574).
Text: The priest speaks.
Priest: "Oh Oedipus, king of the land, our greatest power! You see us before you now...kneeling before your altars. And all the rest, your great family gathers now...see with your own eyes...Now we pray to you...bending at your altar...you lifted up our lives...So now again, Oedipus, king, we bend to you, your power-we implore you, all of us on our knees: find us strength, rescue...Act now-we beg you, best of men, raise up our city! Act, defend yourself, your former glory! Your country calls you savior now for your zeal, your action years ago...your reign...you know you have the power." (pg.574-575).
In this scene Oedipus is placed on a proverbial pedestal because their only hope of success is in him. This parallels the first scene in that both the king (Oedipus) and the people of Thebes feel the same way: Unless Oedipus acts there will be no salvation in the town. Here, Sophocles is setting the audience up for The Reality of Tragedy. One of the themes in this piece of literature is that no man has the ability to see all the angles. Despite the reference to sight in both scenes, blindness is one of the downfalls, not literally but philosophically, FOR NOW. His strength lies in being wise enough to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, but his demise is being blind to his own failures and proclivities. Another truth we can gather from this passage is the fickle, feeble nature of fame and fortune. Just because one can solve a riddle and lead a people does not mean that one should rely fully on an individual whose life is mortal and his strength is temporal. Unfortunately, many great men fall, heroes die, and legends cannot sustain their own lives and we should derive this reality from the tragedy of Oedipus The King.
Text: The brother of Jocasta, Creon, speaks along with Oedipus.
Creon: "Banish the man or, pay back blood with blood...Murder sets the plague on the city...'Pay the killers back- whomever is responsible'...Whatever is ought for can be caught, you know, whatever is neglected slips away...The singing, rattling Sphinx. She...persuaded us to let the mystery go and concentrate on what lay at our feet..." (pg.576)
Oedipus: I'll bring it all to light myself! I am the land avenger by all rights...by avenging Laius I defend myself ...you pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers" (pgs.576-577, 579).
Creon, the brother of Jocasta, leads us in the progression of the Reality of Tragedy with his statements to Oedipus. He is speaking to the man that is responsible and is none the wiser. Creon makes a statement that is worth commenting on: "pay back blood with blood" (576). Do we have the right to demand blood as a retribution for blood? This is part of our discussion questions page but it is worth noting in this section as physical blindness later in the story is retributive for the leadership blindness in Oedipus. He also states, in his pursuit of justice, that the person responsible should pay regardless of their position or pedigree. This fosters an interesting debate concerning present-day justice and may even allude to the estate of the justice system in this time period. Not only does Creon speak to the retribution of the murder of his brother-in-law, but also he offers an excuse as to the failure of bringing said justice to the forefront. Here, a valid point is given that one should stay away from avoidance-type measures and do one's best to address a problem before it gets out of hand. Oedipus now is fully inspired to seek out the murderer of Laius, however little does he know he is seeking out himself by defending himself. These statements by Oedipus allow the reader entrance into the vat of predestined discovery.
Text: Oedipus speaks
Oedipus: "banish this man-whoever he may be-never shelter him, never speak a word to him, never make him
partner to your prayers...never let holy water touch his hands...He is the plague, the heart of our corruption...so honor my obligations...now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is...let that man drag out his life in agony, step by painful step-I curse myself as well...if by any chance he proves to be an intimate of our house...so I will fight for
him as if he were my father...may our champion, Justice...be with us...to the end (pgs.580-581).
Oedipus is now prescribing to the chorus his (own) justice for the crime of murder in this portion of the piece. This statement "Whoever he may be" is also mentioned earlier in the story as an entrance to the foreshadowed fate of Thebes' hero, Oedipus the king. Oedipus now indicates one half of the truth concerning the lot of his city when he speaks to the heart of the problem at hand. The Reality of Tragedy is that most corrupt men do not see themselves as corrupt. They may blame everyone else around them but no mirror is available for a proper introspection in truth. The reality of Sophocles' passage in discussion is the current and parallel issue of one who is not able to address his own personal issues and all the while it is being addressed through circumstance. Ironically, he curses his own well-being and summons Justice to have its way with his own self. He comments that valor will come through the lens of personal attachment to the victim and he has no clue that he is already attached.
Text: Oedipus speaks, along with Teresias
Oedipus: "I have such fury in me-now I see it all. You helped hatch the plot...and given eyes I'd say you did the killing...eyes blind as stone...eyes peeled for his own profit...seer blind in his craft" (pgs. 583-584).
Teresias: "How terrible-to see the truth when the truth is the only pain to him who sees...I charge you, then, submit to that decree you just laid down...You are the curse, the corruption of the land...I say you are the murderer that you hunt...You think you can keep this up and never suffer?...Creon is not your downfall, no, you are your own...You with your precious eyes, you're blind to the corruption of your life...who are your parents?...darkness shrouding your eyes...now can see the light...that day you learn the truth...will level you with yourself and all your children...You great good fortune, true, it was your ruin" (pgs.582-585).
The Reality of Tragedy is the fact that most corrupt individuals cannot see they are 'the problem' and even when they are told and truth is staring them in the face, they still cannot SEE. Blindness goes from a foreshadowed ideal to a blatant reality in this scene as Tiresias is summoned to divulge the very essence of the problems in Thebes and unveil the identity of the true killer to the true killer. This is the climax of the story as the problem is revealed to Oedipus. Why does success ruin good people? Are these individuals really successful?
Text: Oedipus speaks; A messenger speaks. The Chorus concludes.
Oedipus: "Oh no no, I think I've just called down a dreadful curse
upon myself...I have terrible fear the blind seer can see...Ai now I can see it all, clear as day...And all these curses...I brought these piling curses down on myself...I am waiting for the shepherd. He is crucial...I stand revealed at last....the hand that struck my eyes was mine, mine alone...what good were eyes to me?...drive me out of the land at once, far from sight...your father killed his father, sowed his mother...and the selfsame womb sprang you.." (pgs.593, 595, 605, 613).
Messenger: "The queen is dead...by her own hand...and there he saw the women hanging by the neck...swinging back and forth...He rips of her brooches...he digs them down the sockets of his eyes, crying...'Too long you looked on the ones you longed to see...Blind...Blind...Blind'...all the griefs in the world that you can name are theirs forever" (pgs.606-608).
Chorus: "count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last (pg.614).
The play is concluded with these final moments in Sophocles' famous, Oedipus The King. The blindness that had plagued Oedipus throughout the story finally manifests in the flesh as Jocasta hangs herself, Oedipus maims himself, and truth reveals itself. It is ironic how truth always seems to come out in the end, one way or another.
The Reality of Tragedy: Blood-guilty hands usually do the most damage and blinded eyes typically see the most destruction.
Discussion Questions
*One of the major character flaws in Greek tragedy is the excessive display of pride. What is the difference between pride and too much pride?
*After all of Oedipus' transgressions are discovered and revealed, he pleads to Creon to be exiled, but Creon says that "only the gods can give you that" (page 613). Is this restraint or hesitation, and does it show strength or weakness?
*After all that happened throughout his story, do you think Oedipus deserved his fate?
*Do you think that what was going on in Sophocles' life helped shaped the events of Oedipus the king, or was this a tragedy he created without the influence of the world around him?
*The oracle predicted the fate of Oedipus to his father who preceded to dispose of Oedipus, do you think this fate could have been ignored or would it have been inevitable either way?
*The people of Thebes were heavily reliant on Oedipus to save them from the plague-Why do we place our hope in those whom are mortal and that which is temporal? (ex. movie stars, ball players, fame, fortune, etc...)
*"Banish the man, or pay back blood with blood": this is line 113 from the play and Creon is speaking about punishment of the guilty murderer -Is it feasible or even moral to pay back blood with blood?
* In Line 503 the blind prophet Teresias says, "Your great good fortune, true, it was your ruin"- Why does success ruin people and if so, were those that were ruined by success, ever really successful?
* Creon defends his position that he never plotted against Oedipus in line 654-655: who would "rather rule and live in anxiety than sleep in peace"?-Do you agree with his position that living in peace is better than ruling in anxiety?
* Line 1362-63 "The pains that we inflict upon ourselves hurt most of all"-Do you agree with this statement? Why?
*Line 1686 "Count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last"-this is a phrase that ends the play and the question is simple: Is living or dying more glorious? Why?
Works Cited
"Sophocles". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. 03 Sep. 2013
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/554733/Sophocles>
Encyclopædia Britannica's article on Sophocles includes a brief summary of his life and professional achievements, both dramatic and literary.
"Sophocles"
Gill, N. S.. N.p.. Web. 3 Sep 2013.
<http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/sophocles/p/Sophocles.htm>.
This article gives a good deal of information on Sophocles life and the things that were happening around him.
"The Plague of Thebes, a Historical Epidemic in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex".
Kousoulis, Antonis A.. N.p.. Web. 3 Sep 2013.
<http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/18/1/ad-1801_article.htm>.
This article is interesting in the fact that it links the plague mentioned to the plague in Oedipus the King.
"
Norton. "The Norton Anthology of World Literature".
Shorter Second Edition.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2009. 1-1872. Print.
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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
"The Reality of Tragedy"
Sophocles' Life and Professional Achievements
Sophocles was born in 496 BC at Colonus, a Greek city located outside the walls of Athens. His father, Sophilus, was a wealthy manufacturer of armor. It was chiefly because of this fact the Sophocles was able to get an exceptional education. He was known to be a great athlete and musician.
He was chosen for public office in 442 at the age of 54 to be treasurer, in charge of receiving and managing the tribute money from some of Athens’ subjugates. Two years later he was chosen as one of the 10 high executive officials who commanded the armed forces. This was believed to be the first of what may have been three terms, possibly serving as strategos two more times. Sophocles' last known act was to lead a chorus in public, mourning for Euripedes in 406. Shortly thereafter, Sophocles died at the age of 93.
In total, Sophocles wrote 123 plays for the Dionysian dramatic festival, winning his first victory in 468. It is believed that he may have won as many as 24 times, while never receiving less than second in any competition that he entered.
In regards to Sophocles' professional contributions, he was credited for various enhancements to dramatic production. Among these were introducing a third actor into some of his dramatic performances. Previously, only two actors were used in plays, although one of the actors often doubled if a third character was called for.
HISTORY
"The Reality of Tragedy"
Looking into Greece at the time at Sophocles lived, we see a society that has been ridden with turmoil. This turmoil however seems to have shaped the classical period of Greece allowing some of its greatest works to be developed here. Sophocles lived during the classical period of Greece. Greece was at this time fighting many wars. Athens and Sparta joined hands to fight against the Persians and drive them out of Greece. After this victory against Persia, Sophocles was elected to be the head of the choir celebrating the victory. Even though the two were allies during this time, the alliance quickly crumbled after the war was won.
This brings us to the Peloponnesian wars. These wars were being fought between the Greek cities themselves! Sparta and Athens were fighting a great war against one another in which only one could win. Sophocles was part of a great war council that directed the troops of Athens. Sparta proved to be the victor and placed an oligarchic government over Athens. Still, Greek culture flourished. Sometime during his life Sophocles also became a priest of the god Asclepius,and helped introduce him to Athens. We have also discovered that at the time Sophocles lived there was a great plague that affected Thebes. This may even be the plague he referred to in Oedipus the King. Looking at the events in Sophocles’ life helps us better understand the way he writes and portrays his characters.
KEY PASSAGES"The Reality of Tragedy"
Text: Oedipus, the King speaks
Oedipus: "Oh my children, the new blood of ancient Thebes, why are you here? Huddling at my altar, your branches wound in wool. Our city reeks with the smoke of burning incense, rings with cries for the Healer (Apollo) and wailing for the dead. I thought it wrong my children, to hear the truth from others, messengers. Here I am myself-you all know me, the world knows my fame: I am Oedipus...I would be blind to misery not to pity my people kneeling at my feet. (pgs.573-574).
 |
| "Blind to the corruption of your life" |
This opening scene introduces the helpless estate of the people of Thebes and the emotional wreckage that their king has caused. This is a key passage as it indicates the Reality of Tragedy in the heart of their king. A decision can affect multiple people especially when that decision is made by a leader. The text starts with the line "Oh my children," which indicates Oedipus as having a vested interest in the people he served (or ruled), right? Maybe, but this is more likely the first of many indications by Sophocles through Oedipus that Thebes has problems because of the plight of their narcissistic ruler. Multiple times in Oedipus' opening statements the words I, me, and my are present, which indicates his self-reliance and the people's co-dependence. One of the big more influential bits of foreshadowing occur in this scene as Oedipus speaks to his own impending blindness when he says, "I would be blind to my misery" (pg. 574).
Text: The priest speaks.
In this scene Oedipus is placed on a proverbial pedestal because their only hope of success is in him. This parallels the first scene in that both the king (Oedipus) and the people of Thebes feel the same way: Unless Oedipus acts there will be no salvation in the town. Here, Sophocles is setting the audience up for The Reality of Tragedy. One of the themes in this piece of literature is that no man has the ability to see all the angles. Despite the reference to sight in both scenes, blindness is one of the downfalls, not literally but philosophically, FOR NOW. His strength lies in being wise enough to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, but his demise is being blind to his own failures and proclivities. Another truth we can gather from this passage is the fickle, feeble nature of fame and fortune. Just because one can solve a riddle and lead a people does not mean that one should rely fully on an individual whose life is mortal and his strength is temporal. Unfortunately, many great men fall, heroes die, and legends cannot sustain their own lives and we should derive this reality from the tragedy of Oedipus The King.
Text: The brother of Jocasta, Creon, speaks along with Oedipus.
Oedipus: I'll bring it all to light myself! I am the land avenger by all rights...by avenging Laius I defend myself ...you pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers" (pgs.576-577, 579).
Creon, the brother of Jocasta, leads us in the progression of the Reality of Tragedy with his statements to Oedipus. He is speaking to the man that is responsible and is none the wiser. Creon makes a statement that is worth commenting on: "pay back blood with blood" (576). Do we have the right to demand blood as a retribution for blood? This is part of our discussion questions page but it is worth noting in this section as physical blindness later in the story is retributive for the leadership blindness in Oedipus. He also states, in his pursuit of justice, that the person responsible should pay regardless of their position or pedigree. This fosters an interesting debate concerning present-day justice and may even allude to the estate of the justice system in this time period. Not only does Creon speak to the retribution of the murder of his brother-in-law, but also he offers an excuse as to the failure of bringing said justice to the forefront. Here, a valid point is given that one should stay away from avoidance-type measures and do one's best to address a problem before it gets out of hand. Oedipus now is fully inspired to seek out the murderer of Laius, however little does he know he is seeking out himself by defending himself. These statements by Oedipus allow the reader entrance into the vat of predestined discovery.
Text: Oedipus speaks
partner to your prayers...never let holy water touch his hands...He is the plague, the heart of our corruption...so honor my obligations...now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is...let that man drag out his life in agony, step by painful step-I curse myself as well...if by any chance he proves to be an intimate of our house...so I will fight for
him as if he were my father...may our champion, Justice...be with us...to the end (pgs.580-581).
Oedipus is now prescribing to the chorus his (own) justice for the crime of murder in this portion of the piece. This statement "Whoever he may be" is also mentioned earlier in the story as an entrance to the foreshadowed fate of Thebes' hero, Oedipus the king. Oedipus now indicates one half of the truth concerning the lot of his city when he speaks to the heart of the problem at hand. The Reality of Tragedy is that most corrupt men do not see themselves as corrupt. They may blame everyone else around them but no mirror is available for a proper introspection in truth. The reality of Sophocles' passage in discussion is the current and parallel issue of one who is not able to address his own personal issues and all the while it is being addressed through circumstance. Ironically, he curses his own well-being and summons Justice to have its way with his own self. He comments that valor will come through the lens of personal attachment to the victim and he has no clue that he is already attached.
Text: Oedipus speaks, along with Teresias
Oedipus: "I have such fury in me-now I see it all. You helped hatch the plot...and given eyes I'd say you did the killing...eyes blind as stone...eyes peeled for his own profit...seer blind in his craft" (pgs. 583-584).
Teresias: "How terrible-to see the truth when the truth is the only pain to him who sees...I charge you, then, submit to that decree you just laid down...You are the curse, the corruption of the land...I say you are the murderer that you hunt...You think you can keep this up and never suffer?...Creon is not your downfall, no, you are your own...You with your precious eyes, you're blind to the corruption of your life...who are your parents?...darkness shrouding your eyes...now can see the light...that day you learn the truth...will level you with yourself and all your children...You great good fortune, true, it was your ruin" (pgs.582-585).
The Reality of Tragedy is the fact that most corrupt individuals cannot see they are 'the problem' and even when they are told and truth is staring them in the face, they still cannot SEE. Blindness goes from a foreshadowed ideal to a blatant reality in this scene as Tiresias is summoned to divulge the very essence of the problems in Thebes and unveil the identity of the true killer to the true killer. This is the climax of the story as the problem is revealed to Oedipus. Why does success ruin good people? Are these individuals really successful?
Text: Oedipus speaks; A messenger speaks. The Chorus concludes.
upon myself...I have terrible fear the blind seer can see...Ai now I can see it all, clear as day...And all these curses...I brought these piling curses down on myself...I am waiting for the shepherd. He is crucial...I stand revealed at last....the hand that struck my eyes was mine, mine alone...what good were eyes to me?...drive me out of the land at once, far from sight...your father killed his father, sowed his mother...and the selfsame womb sprang you.." (pgs.593, 595, 605, 613).
Messenger: "The queen is dead...by her own hand...and there he saw the women hanging by the neck...swinging back and forth...He rips of her brooches...he digs them down the sockets of his eyes, crying...'Too long you looked on the ones you longed to see...Blind...Blind...Blind'...all the griefs in the world that you can name are theirs forever" (pgs.606-608).
Chorus: "count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last (pg.614).
The play is concluded with these final moments in Sophocles' famous, Oedipus The King. The blindness that had plagued Oedipus throughout the story finally manifests in the flesh as Jocasta hangs herself, Oedipus maims himself, and truth reveals itself. It is ironic how truth always seems to come out in the end, one way or another.
The Reality of Tragedy: Blood-guilty hands usually do the most damage and blinded eyes typically see the most destruction.
Discussion Questions
*One of the major character flaws in Greek tragedy is the excessive display of pride. What is the difference between pride and too much pride?
*After all of Oedipus' transgressions are discovered and revealed, he pleads to Creon to be exiled, but Creon says that "only the gods can give you that" (page 613). Is this restraint or hesitation, and does it show strength or weakness?
*After all that happened throughout his story, do you think Oedipus deserved his fate?
*Do you think that what was going on in Sophocles' life helped shaped the events of Oedipus the king, or was this a tragedy he created without the influence of the world around him?
*The oracle predicted the fate of Oedipus to his father who preceded to dispose of Oedipus, do you think this fate could have been ignored or would it have been inevitable either way?
*The people of Thebes were heavily reliant on Oedipus to save them from the plague-Why do we place our hope in those whom are mortal and that which is temporal? (ex. movie stars, ball players, fame, fortune, etc...)
*"Banish the man, or pay back blood with blood": this is line 113 from the play and Creon is speaking about punishment of the guilty murderer -Is it feasible or even moral to pay back blood with blood?
* In Line 503 the blind prophet Teresias says, "Your great good fortune, true, it was your ruin"- Why does success ruin people and if so, were those that were ruined by success, ever really successful?
* Creon defends his position that he never plotted against Oedipus in line 654-655: who would "rather rule and live in anxiety than sleep in peace"?-Do you agree with his position that living in peace is better than ruling in anxiety?
* Line 1362-63 "The pains that we inflict upon ourselves hurt most of all"-Do you agree with this statement? Why?
*Line 1686 "Count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last"-this is a phrase that ends the play and the question is simple: Is living or dying more glorious? Why?
Works Cited
"Sophocles". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. 03 Sep. 2013
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/554733/Sophocles>
Encyclopædia Britannica's article on Sophocles includes a brief summary of his life and professional achievements, both dramatic and literary.
"Sophocles"
Gill, N. S.. N.p.. Web. 3 Sep 2013.
<http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/sophocles/p/Sophocles.htm>.
This article gives a good deal of information on Sophocles life and the things that were happening around him.
"The Plague of Thebes, a Historical Epidemic in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex".
Kousoulis, Antonis A.. N.p.. Web. 3 Sep 2013.
<http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/18/1/ad-1801_article.htm>.
This article is interesting in the fact that it links the plague mentioned to the plague in Oedipus the King.
"
Norton. "The Norton Anthology of World Literature".
Shorter Second Edition.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2009. 1-1872. Print.